The Musical Genius (Autism Documentary) – Real Stories

Holy shit…I’m beyond impressed with Derek’s talent! Wow, it’s super interesting to think that he’s clinically and medically incapacitated/slow and has the IQ of a 4-5 year old child, yet he’s been given such an amazing gift. I couldn’t imagine having to live my life everyday blind. Not being able to see at all would be heartbreaking. And just to think, that’s Derek’s normal. He’s never known anything other than living his life everyday without his sight. So being blind is completely normal for him. It’s awesome to see how happy of a person he is, and the amount of talent that young man has is incredible. Being able to play the piano that flawlessly without being able to see, and being able to play any song in the world after he’s heard it at least once on the piano is such a cool thing to be able to do. That man is not “mentally retarded.” Explain the musical talent then if he’s retarded? He’s amazing!

 Without any doubt this is the most fascinating documentary I have ever seen. I remember when it was first shown on the BBC many years ago. I’m musical and play several instruments and am also very interested in autism. I often wonder if any of the great musical composers from history possessed autistic characteristics. Would be fascinating to get expert opinions from both the musical and medical side.